Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Film & Art presents an evening of cultural celebration

The Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corp hosted the return of “Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Film & Art.” This rich and lively evening of cultural celebration showcasing the best of jazz, film and art was held at Silvana Restaurant, 300 W. 116th St.

The highlights included readings from “Mansour Speaking the Language of Life and Love,” an anthology of literary expressions that inspire and transform the heart and soul. The anthology, which was composed by the late Harold E. Nettles, aka Mansour, and edited by his wife, Bonita G. Lloyd Nettles, will be available for sale in late fall 2014.

Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Film & Art continued its tradition of honoring a cultural hero with the Living Legend Award. This year’s award was presented to Lamon Fenner for his tireless work as a cultural preservationist of the African-American classic musical treasure known as jazz. Fenner, executive producer of Lamon’s “Jazz Break” on WHCR 90.3 Harlem Community Radio, joins the network of past awardees that includes Vy Higginsen of the Mama Foundation; the late Elombe Brath, political activist; the late Bill Miles, Academy Award nominated filmmaker for “I Remember Harlem,” which Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Film & Art was proud to present in 2004; Ruby Kitchen, president of Martin Luther King Houses Resident Association; Bob Law, radio personality and entrepreneur; and Ramon Rodriguez, director of the Harbor Conservancy for the Performing Arts, a division of Boys & Girls Harbor.

Harlem Renaissance Jazz, Film & Art is a one-of-a kind event that provides exposure for talented emerging and established performing and visual artists. Since 2002, Harlem Renaissance EDC has received commendations and acknowledgements for producing this event, including an award from the New York City Department of Small Business Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor. Harlem Renaissance EDC is a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation, founded by Nettles and LloydNettles, that serves as an economic engine to promote and stimulate business activity in Harlem. Its mission is to provide opportunities through business and culture.